Public Market Announces Responsible Reopening Plans with Limited Dining and New Safety Standards

Milwaukee Public Market.

Milwaukee, WISC – After closing to the public nearly 3 months ago, the Milwaukee Public Market announced today it will reopen its doors to customers starting Wednesday, June 10. Customers can expect a number of health and safety policy changes to promote consumer confidence as the market focuses on a “responsible reopening”.

“A responsible reopening plan was something we felt was vital before we considered opening our doors again, not only for our employees but for our customers and their families,” said public market executive director, Paul Schwartz.  “It has always been our goal to provide the best experience to our patrons. That experience includes purchasing quality products, served by healthy and friendly employees in clean and safe environment.   Ensuring we can abide by those principles has never been more important to us.”

In mid-March, the market closed its operation based on guidelines resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In early May, the Market To-Go curbside pickup and delivery service was launched and, for many vendors, will continue.  The market was permitted to allow customers inside the building weeks ago, said Schwartz. But given the operation and the measures the market felt it needed to have in place, it elected to wait.

“It’s our responsibility to consider the long term health and well-being of our employees and patrons as we plan to turn the dial of reopening the market.  It was important for us to implement a reopening strategy when we felt our safety protocols could align with local guidelines in a way that provides the type of experience people have grown to appreciate at the market.

Procedures and policies enforced during the phased reopening will use both WEDC, CDC and Milwaukee Health Department guidelines.  Many of the new measures the market is instituting during this first phase of reopening include:

• All Market employees are required to use face coverings.
• All vendors and management are required to administer temperature & health screenings to employees daily at the beginning of each shift
• The 2^ndLevel seating area will remain CLOSED for the time being.  Restrooms and market office access will be permitted.
• We strongly encourage customers to wear face coverings until they begin eating inside the Market. If customers don’t have a face covering and would like one, we will provide a mask free of charge as long as our supplies are full.
• 8 additional touch-free hand sanitizing stations are being added throughout the first level
• Customers will be encouraged to eat outside, as the market has expanded outdoor dining areas around the perimeter of the Market.
• Seating areas have a regular sanitization schedule and are spaced 6-feet apart per CDC and Milwaukee Health Department guidelines
• Indoor dining options will be offered at select vendor spaces in reduced capacity, proper distancing and in many cases will also include physical barriers between chairs/tables.
• New HVAC filters have been added to filter finer particles.  (In addition, through a combination of exhaust fans and our HVAC system, the air inside the building is estimated to be turned over every 3-5 minutes.)
• Additional cleaning measures and designated staff will be responsible to maintain the market’s already high level of sanitization standards.
• Some vendors will continue to offer curbside pickup options for customers
• Many vendors will be implementing additional safety precautions, such as touch-free payment processes and modified food safety steps, to promote customer health and wellness.

General indoor hours at the market will be as follows:

Monday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For a full list of vendor offerings and individual hours of operations, please visit milwaukeepublicmarket.org or call 414-336-1111.

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